DE102012108990A1 - Method for locating a field device in an automation system - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for localizing at least one field device in an automation system, which is connected via a network consisting of a multiplicity of distributed field devices, a mobile terminal being used to localize the field device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for localizing a field device in an automation system.

In process automation technology, field devices are often used to detect and / or influence process variables. Sensors such as fill level measuring devices, flowmeters, pressure and temperature measuring devices, pH redox potential measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which record the corresponding process variables level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH or conductivity, are used to record process variables. To influence process variables are actuators, such as valves or pumps, through which the flow of a liquid in a pipe section or the level can be changed in a container. In principle, field devices are all devices that are used close to the process and that provide or process process-relevant information. In addition to the aforementioned sensors and actuators, field devices are generally also understood as meaning those units which are connected directly to a field bus and serve to communicate with the superordinate units, such as e.g. Remote I / Os, Gateways, Linking Devices and Wireless Adapters. A large number of such field devices are manufactured and sold by the Endress + Hauser Group.

Such field devices are usually distributed over a very wide range in the case of larger plants, in particular in production plants. In the event of a malfunction or for routine maintenance, these field devices must be identified and localized in the shortest possible time in order to be able to eliminate the fault on site or carry out the maintenance. Here, the exact localization of the field device is usually problematic.

From the DE 10163564A1 It is known, such a field device with a GPS module, which provide location information that allows localization of the field device with sufficient accuracy.

The equipment of a field device with a GPS module can usually only be performed by the field device manufacturer. Typically, the GPS module is integrated with the field device manufacturer during the production of the field device. Subsequently, the field device with the integrated GPS module is put into operation by the field device operator.

The equipment of a field device with a GPS module has the disadvantage that it is not only technically complex, but is also associated with additional costs.

Another disadvantage is that already integrated in an automation system and used field devices are extremely difficult to retrofit. Here too, the subsequent integration of such a GPS module would have to be carried out by the field device manufacturer. For this, the field device would have to be removed from the installation location in the system. However, this means for the field device operator that he would have to integrate a replacement field device instead of the actual field device in the system for the period of retrofitting, which in turn leads to increased effort.

The invention is therefore based on the object to propose a method that allows the localization of a field device in a particularly user-friendly manner.

• – Übermittlung des Erkennungsmerkmales des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes an den Webserver mit Hilfe des mobilen Endgerätes,
• – Ermittlung der auf dem Webserver abgelegten verknüpften Ortsinformation anhand des Erkennungsmerkmales,
• – Rückgabe der ermittelten Ortsinformation oder einer geographischen Karte, in der die Ortsinformation eingetragen ist, an das mobile Endgerät,
• – Lokalisation des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes mittels des mobilen Endgerätes anhand der ermittelten Ortsinformation.

The object is achieved by a first variant of the method for locating at least one field device in an automation system, wherein the field device is connected to a network consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices attached, wherein for locating the field device, a mobile terminal is used and wherein a corresponding to the installation of the field device location information is stored in a web server, and wherein on the web server in addition to the location information and the field device associated identifier is stored, the assignable identifier is linked to the stored on the web server location information and the method for the Localization of the field device provides the following steps:

• Transmission of the identification feature of the field device to be localized to the web server with the aid of the mobile terminal,
• Determination of the linked location information stored on the web server on the basis of the identification feature,
• Return of the determined location information or a geographical map in which the location information is entered to the mobile terminal,
• - Localization of the field device to be localized by means of the mobile terminal based on the determined location information.

• – Zugriff über das Netzwerk auf das zu lokalisierende Feldgerät mit Hilfe der übergeordneten Einheit,
• – Auslesen der im Feldgerät abgelegten Ortsinformation,
• – Übertragung der abgelegten Ortsinformation an die übergeordnete Einheit,
• – Übermittlung der Ortsinformation von der übergeordneten Einheit an das mobile Endgerät,
• – Lokalisation des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes mittels des mobilen Endgerätes anhand der ermittelten Ortsinformation.

The object is achieved by a second variant of the method for locating at least one field device in an automation system, wherein the field device is a network consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices attached to at least one parent unit, wherein for locating the field device a mobile terminal is used and wherein a to the installation of the Field device corresponding location information is stored in the field device and the method for the localization of the field device provides the following steps:

• Access via the network to the field device to be located with the aid of the higher-level unit,
• Reading out the location information stored in the field device,
• Transfer of the stored location information to the superordinate unit,
• Transmission of the location information from the higher-level unit to the mobile terminal,
• - Localization of the field device to be localized by means of the mobile terminal based on the determined location information.

• – Übermittlung der aktuellen Ortsinformation des mobilen Endgerätes an den Webserver und/oder die übergeordnete Einheit mit Hilfe des mobilen Endgerätes,
• – Ermittlung der auf dem Webserver und/oder der übergeordneten Einheit abgelegten Ortsinformationen, die sich in einem vorgegebenen Abstand/Umkreis von der aktuellen Ortsinformation des mobilen Endgerätes befinden,
• – Rückgabe der ermittelten Ortsinformationen oder einer geographischen Karte, in der die Ortsinformationen eingetragen sind, an das mobile Endgerät,
• – Lokalisation der Feldgeräte mittels des mobilen Endgerätes anhand der ermittelten rückgegebenen Ortsinformationen.

The object is achieved according to the invention also by a third variant of the method for locating at least one field device in an automation system, wherein the field device is connected via a network consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices attached to at least one parent unit, wherein for the Distributed field devices distributed to the installation of the respective field device location information is stored in a web server and / or the parent unit, wherein for locating at least one field device, a mobile terminal is used and the method for the localization of the field devices provides the following steps:

• Transmission of the current location information of the mobile terminal to the web server and / or the higher-level unit with the aid of the mobile terminal,
• Determination of the location information stored on the web server and / or the higher-level unit, which are located at a predetermined distance / radius from the current location information of the mobile terminal,
• Return of the determined location information or a geographical map in which the location information is entered to the mobile terminal,
• - Localization of the field devices by means of the mobile terminal based on the determined returned location information.

According to the invention, the method is achieved in that, instead of an integrated GPS module, the field device is assigned the location information corresponding to the installation location, for example, on a web server and / or a higher-level unit and / or on the field device per se. Based on this location information, the corresponding field device can then be localized if necessary.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for all three variants provides that the location information comprises at least one longitude and at least one latitude.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for all three variants provides that the location information corresponding to the installation location of the field device is determined during commissioning of the field device in the automation system and / or during a service operation on the field device.

An advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention of the first variant provides that the identification feature assigned to the field device represents a serial number and / or a tag.

An advantageous embodiment of the inventive method of the second variant provides that the recorded location information is stored as a parameter in the field device.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings. It shows:

1 : a schematic representation of the method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation of the method according to the invention. This is a network 2 automation technology with several, via a fieldbus 11 , connected field devices 1 that have a data bus 13 to at least one computer unit (workstation) 9 are connected. This computer unit 9 can be used as a higher-level unit (control systems or control units) for process visualization, process monitoring and engineering but also for operating and monitoring field devices 1 serve. The data bus 13 works according to a common standard in process automation technology (Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, HSE - High Speed Ethernet, etc.). About a gateway 12 , which is also referred to as Linking Device or as a segment coupler, is the data bus 13 with a fieldbus segment 15 connected. The fieldbus segment 15 includes, as already mentioned, several field devices 1 - 1``` the over a fieldbus 2 connected to each other. With the field devices 1 - 1``` they can be both sensors and actuators. The fieldbus 11 works according to one of the known fieldbus standards, Foundation Fieldbus or HART. To the fieldbus 11 is temporarily a control unit 14 connectable, which for the operation of one of the field devices 1 - 1``` serves. For this purpose, it is provided that the operating unit 14 over the fieldbus 11 with one or more specifically selected field devices 1 - 1``` communicated.

Next to it shows 1 a mobile device 3 , with the aid of which the inventive Method is feasible. As a mobile device 3 In principle, every device comes into consideration, which essentially has the following three attributes. The first and at the same time most important attribute represents the possibility of (wireless) data communication, furthermore the accessibility and the localizability are further attributes that such a mobile terminal has. The implementation of the method according to the invention or of the three variants of the method according to the invention is not based on a special mobile terminal 3 but with a variety of mobile devices 3 , such as smartphone, mobile phone, laptop (with UMTS), tablet PC, PDA, netbook, UMPC, etc. feasible.

• i. Die erste Variante besteht darin, dass zum Lokalisieren mindestens eines Feldgerätes 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage ein mobiles Endgerät 3 eingesetzt wird. Die Automatisierungsanlage besteht hierbei aus einer Vielzahl von verteilt angeordneten Feldgeräte 1–1```, welche über ein Netzwerk 2 mit mindestens einer übergeordneten Einheit 9 verbunden sein können. Zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens entsprechend der ersten Variante ist es jedoch unerheblich, ob die Automatisierungsanlage eine übergeordnete Einheit 9 aufweist oder nicht. Darüber hinaus ist in 1 ein Webserver 5 dargestellt, auf dem für jedes der Feldgeräte 1–1``` eine zum Einbauort des entsprechenden Feldgerätes 1 korrespondierende Ortsinformation 4 abgelegt bzw. hinterlegt ist. Eine Ortsinformation 4 umfasst hierbei zumindest einen Längengrad und zumindest einen Breitengrad und wird typischerweise während der Inbetriebnahme des Feldgerätes 1–1``` beim Feldgerätebetreiber mit Hilfe eines mobilen Endgerätes 3 und/oder einer Bedieneinheit 14 die mit einem GPS-System ausgestattet ist aufgenommen bzw. ermittelt. Alternativ hierzu kann die Ortsinformation 4 auch nach der Inbetriebnahme bspw. bei einem Serviceeinsatz am Feldgerät 1–1``` vor Ort aufgenommen bzw. ermittelt werden. Dies bietet dann auch die Möglichkeit, Ortsinformationen 4 über den Einbauort eines Feldgerätes 1–1```, welches bereits in einer Automatisierungsanlage integriert ist, zu ermitteln um auf diese Weise Feldgeräte 1–1``` nachträglich lokalisierbar zu machen. Neben der Ortsinformation 4 des entsprechenden Feldgerätes 1 ist auch ein eindeutiges Erkennungsmerkmal 6 bzw. Identifikationsmerkmal des entsprechenden Feldgerätes 1 auf dem Webserver 5 hinterlegt und mit der Ortsinformation 4 verknüpft, so dass zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt die Ortsinformation 4, die den Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1–1``` aufzeigt, anhand des Erkennungsmerkmales 6 abgerufen werden kann. Ein für jedes Feldgerät 1–1``` eindeutiges Erkennungsmerkmal 6 bzw. Identifikationsmerkmal stellt beispielsweise die Seriennummer und/oder ein Tag des Feldgerätes 1 dar. Das Erkennungsmerkmal 6 kann ebenfalls auch, genau wie die Ortsinformation 4, während der Inbetriebnahme und/oder des Serviceeinsatzes vor Ort am Feldgerät 1–1``` ermittelt werden und anschließend auf dem Webserver 5 für das entsprechende Feldgerät 1 hinterlegt werden. Somit ist sowohl die Ortsinformation 4, die zu dem Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1 korrespondiert, als auch das zu dem Feldgerät 1 korrespondierende eindeutige Erkennungsmerkmal 6 auf dem Webserver 5 hinterlegt. Möchte nun ein Bediener 16, bspw. ein Servicetechniker, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt ein solches Feldgerät 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage lokalisieren, sind folgende Schritte notwendig: – Übermittlung des Erkennungsmerkmales 6 des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes 1 an den Webserver 5 mit Hilfe des mobilen Endgerätes 3, wobei als mobiles Endgerät 3 auch die Bedieneinheit 14 eingesetzt werden kann, wenn sie über entsprechende Kommunikationsmöglichkeiten, zur Kommunikation mit dem Webserver 5, verfügt, – Ermittlung der auf dem Webserver 5 abgelegten verknüpften Ortsinformation 4 anhand des Erkennungsmerkmales 6, – Rückgabe der ermittelten Ortsinformation 4 oder einer geographischen Karte, in der die Ortsinformation 4 eingetragen ist, an das mobile Endgerät 3, – Lokalisation des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes 1 mittels des mobilen Endgerätes 3 anhand der ermittelten Ortsinformation 4, hierzu kann beispielsweise das mobile Endgerät 3 als Navigationsgerät verwendet werden und anhand der Ortsinformationen 4 einen Bediener zu dem Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1 navigieren.
• ii. Die zweite Variante besteht darin, dass zum Lokalisieren mindestens eines Feldgerätes 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage, welche über ein Netzwerk 2, bestehend aus einer Vielzahl von verteilt angeordneten Feldgeräten 1–1```, an mindestens eine übergeordnete Einheit 9 angebunden ist, die Ortsinformation 4 im Feldgerät 1 selbst hinterlegt wird. Hierbei wird die zu dem Einbauort korrespondierende Ortsinformation 4 bei der Inbetriebnahme und/oder bei einem Serviceeinsatz an dem Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1 beim Feldgerätebetreiber vor Ort ermittelt. Diese ermittelte Ortsinformation 4 wird anschließend in dem Feldgerät 1 hinterlegt. Die Ortsinformation 4 wird, neben den bereits vorhandenen zur Parametrierung des Feldgerätes 1 nötigen Parametern, als ein weiterer Parameter im Feldgerät 1 oder aber auf dem ENP (electronic name plate) des Feldgerätes abgelegt. Möchte nun ein Bediener 16, bspw. ein Servicetechniker, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt, ein solches Feldgerät 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage lokalisieren, sind folgende Schritte notwendig: – Zugriff über das Netzwerk 2 auf das zu lokalisierende Feldgerät 1 mit Hilfe der übergeordneten Einheit 9, – Auslesen der im Feldgerät 1 abgelegten Ortsinformation 4, – Übertragung der abgelegten Ortsinformation 4 an die übergeordnete Einheit 9, – Übermittlung der Ortsinformation 4 von der übergeordneten Einheit 9 an das, als Navigationsgerät dienende, mobile Endgerät 3. Dies kann beispielsweise durch den Bediener, insbesondere einen Servicetechniker, bspw. durch Eintippen, Einsprechen, etc. selbst durchgeführt werden. – Lokalisation des zu lokalisierenden Feldgerätes 1 mittels des mobilen Endgerätes 3 anhand der aus dem Feldgerät 1 stammenden Ortsinformation 4, welche zum Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1 korrespondiert. Hierbei dient, genau wie in der ersten Variante auch, das mobile Endgerät 3 als Navigationsgerät und navigiert einen Bediener 16 zu dem Einbauort des Feldgerätes 1.
• iii. Die dritte Variante besteht darin, dass zum Lokalisieren mindestens eines Feldgerätes 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage, welches über ein Netzwerk 2, bestehend aus einer Vielzahl von verteilt angeordneten Feldgeräten 1–1```, an mindestens eine übergeordnete Einheit 9 angebunden ist, die aktuelle Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 an den Webserver 5 und/oder die übergeordnete Einheit 9 übermittelt wird und der Webserver 5 und/oder die übergeordnete Einheit 9 die Ortsinformation 4 der Feldgeräte zurückgibt, die sich in einem vorher definierten Abstand bzw. Umkreis zu der aktuellen Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 befinden. Hierzu wird, genau wie der ersten Variante auch, die Ortsinformation 4 der Feldgeräte 1–1``` an dem Einbauort des entsprechenden Feldgerätes 1 ermittelt bzw. aufgenommen und anschließend auf dem Webserver 5 und/oder der übergeordneten Einheit 9 abgelegt. Die Ortsinformationen 4, 10, also die Ortsinformation 4 der Feldgeräte 1–1``` als auch die aktuelle Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 umfasst hierbei wiederum mindestens einen Längengrad und mindestens einen Breitengrad und wird typischerweise während der Inbetriebnahme des Feldgerätes 1–1``` beim Feldgerätebetreiber mit Hilfe eines mobilen Endgerätes 3 aufgenommen bzw. ermittelt und anschließend auf dem Webserver 5 und/oder der übergeordneten Einheit 9 abgelegt. Als mobiles Endgerät 3 kann in diesem Fall, wiederum auch, eine Bedieneinheit 14, die mit einem GPS-System ausgestattet ist, dienen. Möchte nun ein Bediener 16, bspw. ein Servicetechniker, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt ein Feldgerät 1 in einer Automatisierungsanlage lokalisieren, sind folgende Schritte notwendig: – Übermittlung der aktuellen Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 an den Webserver 5 und/oder die übergeordnete Einheit 9 mit Hilfe des mobilen Endgerätes 3. Hierbei wird das mobile Endgerät 3 dazu eingesetzt, die aktuelle Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 und somit des aktuellen Standorts eines Bedieners 16 zu lokalisieren. Diese Ortsinformation 10 wird, wie bereits beschrieben, an den Webserver 5 und/oder die übergeordnete Einheit 9 übertragen. – Ermittlung der auf dem Webserver 5 und/oder der übergeordneten Einheit 9 abgelegten Ortsinformationen 4 der Feldgeräte 1–1```, die sich in einem vorgegebenen Abstand bzw. Umkreis zu der übermittelten aktuellen Ortsinformation 10 des mobilen Endgerätes 3 und somit zum Standort des Bedieners 16 befinden. Hierbei kann beispielsweise der Bediener 16 eigenständig auswählen, in welchem Abstand bzw. Umkreis zu der aktuellen Ortsinformation 10 bzw. dem Standort, nach möglichen Feldgeräten 1–1``` bzw. Ortsinformationen 4 zu den entsprechenden Feldgeräten 1–1``` gesucht werden soll. – Rückgabe der ermittelten Ortsinformationen 4 der sich im Abstand bzw. Umkreis befindlichen Feldgeräte 1 oder einer geographischen Karte, in der die Ortsinformationen 4 der sich im Umkreis befindlichen Feldgeräte 1–1``` eingetragen sind, um den Einbauort der entsprechenden Feldgeräte 1–1``` zu visualisieren, an das mobile Endgerät 3. Hierbei werden alle im Umkreis befindlichen Ortsinformationen 4 die auf dem Webserver 5 und/oder der übergeordneten Einheit 9 abgelegt bzw. hinterlegt sind, dem mobilen Endgerät 3 zugeführt. – Lokalisation der sich im vorgegebenen Abstand bzw. Umkreis befindlichen Feldgeräte 1 mittels des mobilen Endgerätes 3, anhand der ermittelten Ortsinformationen 4.

The method according to the invention provides three variants for locating or locating a field device 1 in such a network of automation technology or in an automation system:

• i. The first variant is that for locating at least one field device 1 in an automation system, a mobile terminal 3 is used. The automation system here consists of a plurality of distributed field devices 1 - 1``` , which has a network 2 with at least one parent unit 9 can be connected. For carrying out the method according to the invention according to the first variant, however, it is irrelevant whether the automation system is a higher-level unit 9 or not. In addition, in 1 a web server 5 shown on the for each of the field devices 1 - 1``` one to the installation location of the corresponding field device 1 corresponding location information 4 filed or deposited. A place information 4 This includes at least one longitude and at least one latitude and is typically during commissioning of the field device 1 - 1``` at the field device operator with the help of a mobile terminal 3 and / or a control unit 14 equipped with a GPS system is recorded or determined. Alternatively, the location information 4 even after commissioning, for example, during a service on the field device 1 - 1``` be recorded or determined on site. This then also provides the option of location information 4 about the installation location of a field device 1 - 1``` , which is already integrated in an automation system, to determine in this way field devices 1 - 1``` to be subsequently localized. In addition to the location information 4 of the corresponding field device 1 is also a unique identifier 6 or identification feature of the corresponding field device 1 on the web server 5 deposited and with the location information 4 linked, so that at a later date the location information 4 indicating the installation location of the field device 1 - 1``` shows, using the identifying feature 6 can be retrieved. One for each field device 1 - 1``` unique identifier 6 or identification feature represents, for example, the serial number and / or a tag of the field device 1 dar. The distinguishing feature 6 can also, as well as the location information 4 during commissioning and / or service on site at the field device 1 - 1``` be determined and then on the web server 5 for the corresponding field device 1 be deposited. Thus, both the location information 4 leading to the installation location of the field device 1 corresponds, as well as that to the field device 1 corresponding unique identifier 6 on the web server 5 deposited. Now wants an operator 16 . For example, a service technician, at a later date, such a field device 1 in an automation system, the following steps are necessary: transmission of the identification feature 6 of the field device to be located 1 to the web server 5 with the help of the mobile terminal 3 , being used as a mobile terminal 3 also the control unit 14 can be used if they have appropriate communication options to communicate with the web server 5 , features, - detecting the on the web server 5 stored linked location information 4 based on the identification feature 6 , - return the determined location information 4 or a geographical map in which the location information 4 is registered to the mobile terminal 3 , - Localization of the field device to be located 1 by means of the mobile terminal 3 based on the determined location information 4 For this example, the mobile terminal 3 be used as a navigation device and based on the location information 4 an operator to the installation of the field device 1 navigate.
• ii. The second variant is that for locating at least one field device 1 in an automation system, which via a network 2 consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices 1 - 1``` , to at least one higher-level unit 9 is attached, the location information 4 in the field device 1 himself deposited. Here, the location information corresponding to the installation location becomes 4 during commissioning and / or during service at the installation site of the field device 1 determined at the field device operator on site. This determined location information 4 is then in the field device 1 deposited. The location information 4 is, in addition to the already existing for parameterization of the field device 1 necessary parameters, as another parameter in the field device 1 or stored on the ENP (electronic name plate) of the field device. Now wants an operator 16 , For example, a service technician, at a later date, such a field device 1 in an automation system, the following steps are necessary: - Access via the network 2 on the field device to be located 1 with the help of the parent unit 9 , - Readout in the field device 1 stored location information 4 , - Transmission of the stored location information 4 to the parent unit 9 , - Transmission of the location information 4 from the parent unit 9 to the, as a navigation device serving, mobile terminal 3 , This can be done for example by the operator, in particular a service technician, for example. By typing, voice, etc. itself. - Localization of the field device to be located 1 by means of the mobile terminal 3 on the basis of the field device 1 originating location information 4 , which are the installation location of the field device 1 corresponds. This is just like in the first variant, the mobile device 3 as a navigation device and navigates an operator 16 to the installation location of the field device 1 ,
• iii. The third variant is that for locating at least one field device 1 in an automation system, which is connected via a network 2 consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices 1 - 1``` , to at least one higher-level unit 9 is connected, the current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 to the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 is transmitted and the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 the location information 4 the field device returns, in a predefined distance or radius to the current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 are located. For this purpose, just like the first variant, the location information 4 the field devices 1 - 1``` at the installation location of the corresponding field device 1 determined or recorded and then on the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 stored. The location information 4 . 10 So the location information 4 the field devices 1 - 1``` as well as the current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 in this case again comprises at least one longitude and at least one latitude and is typically during commissioning of the field device 1 - 1``` at the field device operator with the help of a mobile terminal 3 recorded or determined and then on the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 stored. As a mobile device 3 can in this case, again, also a control unit 14 , which is equipped with a GPS system, serve. Now wants an operator 16 , for example, a service technician, at a later time a field device 1 locate in an automation system, the following steps are necessary: - Transmission of the current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 to the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 with the help of the mobile terminal 3 , This is the mobile terminal 3 used to the current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 and thus the current location of an operator 16 to locate. This location information 10 is, as already described, to the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 transfer. - Determining the on the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 stored location information 4 the field devices 1 - 1``` located at a predetermined distance or perimeter to the transmitted current location information 10 of the mobile terminal 3 and thus the location of the operator 16 are located. Here, for example, the operator 16 autonomously select the distance or radius to the current location information 10 or the location, for possible field devices 1 - 1``` or location information 4 to the corresponding field devices 1 - 1``` should be sought. - Return of the determined location information 4 the field devices located at a distance or perimeter 1 or a geographical map in which the location information 4 the surrounding field devices 1 - 1``` are entered to the installation location of the corresponding field devices 1 - 1``` to visualize, to the mobile terminal 3 , Here are all located in the surrounding area information 4 the on the web server 5 and / or the parent unit 9 stored or deposited, the mobile terminal 3 fed. - Localization of the field devices located within the specified distance or circumference 1 by means of the mobile terminal 3 , based on the determined location information 4 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 field device

2

 network

3

 Mobile terminal

4

 Location information of the field device

5

 Web Server

6

 distinguishing

7

 serial number

8th

 Day

9

 Parent unit or computer unit

10

 Location information of the mobile terminal

11

 fieldbus

12

 gateway

13

 bus

14

 operating unit

15

 fieldbus

16

 operator

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10163564 A1 [0004]

Claims (7)

Method for localizing at least one field device ( 1 ) in an automation system which is connected to a network ( 2 ), consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices, is connected, wherein for locating the field device ( 1 ) a mobile terminal ( 3 ) is used and wherein a to the installation of the field device ( 1 ) corresponding location information ( 4 ) in a web server ( 5 ) and where on the web server ( 5 ) next to the location information ( 4 ) also a field device ( 1 ) associated identifier ( 6 ), the assignable identifier ( 6 ) with the on the web server ( 5 ) stored location information ( 4 ) and the method for the localization of the field device ( 1 ) provides for the following steps: - transmission of the distinguishing feature ( 6 ) of the field device to be isolated ( 1 ) to the web server ( 5 ) using the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - determination of the on the web server ( 5 ) stored linked location information ( 4 ) on the basis of the distinguishing feature ( 6 ), - return of the determined location information ( 4 ) or a geographical map in which the location information ( 4 ) to the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - localization of the field device to be isolated ( 1 ) by means of the mobile terminal ( 3 ) based on the determined location information ( 4 ). Method for localizing at least one field device ( 1 ) in an automation system which is connected via a network ( 2 ), consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices, to at least one higher-level unit ( 9 ), wherein for locating the field device ( 1 ) a mobile terminal ( 3 ) is used and wherein a to the installation of the field device ( 1 ) corresponding location information ( 4 ) in the field device ( 1 ) and the method for the localization of the field device ( 1 ) provides the following steps: - access via the network ( 2 ) to the field device to be located ( 1 ) with the help of the parent unit ( 9 ), - reading out in the field device ( 1 ) stored location information ( 4 ), - transmission of the stored location information ( 4 ) to the higher-level unit ( 9 ), - transmission of the location information ( 4 ) from the parent unit ( 9 ) to the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - localization of the field device to be isolated ( 1 ) by means of the mobile terminal ( 3 ) based on the determined location information ( 4 ). Method for localizing at least one field device ( 1 ) in an automation system which is connected via a network ( 2 ), consisting of a plurality of distributed field devices, to at least one higher-level unit ( 9 ), wherein for the distributed field devices one to the installation location of the respective field device ( 1 ) corresponding location information ( 4 ) in a web server ( 5 ) and / or the parent unit ( 9 ), wherein for locating at least one field device ( 1 ) a mobile terminal ( 3 ) and the procedure for the localization of field devices ( 1 ) provides the following steps: transmission of the current location information ( 10 ) of the mobile terminal ( 3 ) to the web server ( 5 ) and / or the parent unit ( 9 ) using the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - determination of the on the web server ( 5 ) and / or the parent unit ( 9 ) stored location information ( 4 ) located at a predetermined distance / radius from the current location information ( 10 ) of the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - return of the determined location information ( 4 ) or a geographical map in which the location information ( 4 ) to the mobile terminal ( 3 ), - localization of field devices ( 1 ) by means of the mobile terminal ( 3 ) based on the determined returned location information ( 4 ). Method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein the location information ( 4 ) comprises at least one longitude and at least one latitude. A method according to claim 1 or 4 or according to claim 2 or 4 or according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the to the installation location of the field device ( 1 ) corresponding location information ( 4 ) during commissioning of the field device ( 1 ) in the automation system and / or during a service operation on the field device ( 1 ) is determined. Method according to claim 1, wherein the device ( 1 ) associated identifier ( 6 ) a serial number ( 7 ) and / or a day ( 8th ). Method according to claim 2, wherein the recorded location information ( 4 ) as a parameter in the field device ( 1 ) is stored.

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